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  • VCCC Alliance
23 Apr 2022

Program Communications Manager

Fantastic full-time strategic communications role in a dynamic, friendly team.

Are you a proactive, creative and experienced communications specialist seeking to join a change-making, collective impact organisation?

Flexible working from home and Parkville Office working options
Maximum term contract to 30 June 2024 

  • Fabulous combination of managing diverse external and internal communications and supporting connection and community among VCCC Alliance  
  • High component of communications advice and collaborative stakeholder partnering
    Friendly, flexible team
  • Solid market salary boosted by NFP salary packaging and tax-free meals/accommodation card

Despite having some of the best cancer outcomes in the world, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death and disease burden in Victoria. The VCCC Alliance is a joint venture of academic, research and clinical member institutions working together to change that. 

Our 10 members include Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, WEHI, The Royal Children’s Hospital and Western Health. 

Through the VCCC Alliance these institutions are collaborating to improve the cancer system and accelerate the translation of scientific evidence into better outcomes for all people affected by cancer across Victoria.

About the Opportunity 

Are you a proactive, creative and experienced communications specialist with strong strategic communications and relationship management skills? 

Do you enjoy considering different perspectives and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve impactful work that makes a difference? Are you seeking an opportunity to apply your skills in a purpose-driven environment?

As Program Communications Manager, at the heart of this role is the provision of strategic communications advice and support to a range of programs in research development, clinical trials and cancer workforce education. You will use your exceptional interpersonal and project management skills to work collaboratively with stakeholders including program managers, portfolio heads and Research and Education leads, to support and amplify program outcomes.

In addition, you will play a key role in managing internal communications and building community within the staff team and with our member organisations. This is an interesting and diverse role that requires several years of prior corporate communications experience in a large and/or complex organisation, and a range of skills to create, influence and optimise a diverse range of communications across the VCCC Alliance.

Knowledge or experience in science or health sectors would be a distinct advantage. In addition to communications fundamentals of strong writing, editorial and grammar skills you will also be experienced in production of publications. The ability to combine creativity and strategic thinking will help you succeed in this role, working across varied communications activities and with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities for this varied role include: 

  • Program communications partnering closely with program managers and portfolio heads across different strategic programs of work
  • Production of strategic documents in collaboration with the Head of Communications and Community including business cases, strategic plans, board reports and annual report
  • Planning and reviewing internal staff communications needs working with Head of Communications and People and Culture team
  • Foster strong relationships and liaise regularly with alliance member communications teams to leverage support for joint projects
  • Contribute to the development and growth of sector relationships and contacts
  • Monitoring and assisting with brand recognition and management
  • Website curation and writing (in liaison with the Digital Communications Manager)
  • Liaison with Digital Marketing and Communications Manager to ensure consistent cross platform messaging and optimizing social media to leverage range of communications

About You  

You will be a positive, proactive and adaptable individual, with the ability to flex between strategic and hands-on communications work. You are detailed orientated but can also think big picture.  You enjoy a high degree of collaborative stakeholder partnering and providing communications advice to a diverse range of stakeholders. 

You will have: 

  • Outstanding written communication, layout, proof-reading and layout skills
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with others
  • Several years of corporate communications experience, ideally both external and internal communications in large and/or complex organisation
  • Creative skills with experience in utilizing wide range of communication tools to appeal to diverse audiences
  • Skills managing the requirements of multiple stakeholders, multi-tasking and working with shifting deadlines
  • Experience in digital desktop publishing, EDMs, (MailChimp preferable), CRM, Microsoft Office including PowerPoint and SharePoint, CMS (we use Silverstripe)
  • Experience using hybrid communication technology such as Zoom, Teams, Slack

Desirable:

  • Prior experience in health/medical sector and science or medical writing an advantage
  • Event management and or project management experience beneficial

What’s on offer

  • Flexible work arrangements, a hybrid model with laptop and ergonomic reimbursements for your home set up
  • Family friendly workplace with flexible hours available along with 48/52 options
  • 15 days personal / carer’s leave
  • Learning and development opportunities
  • Solid market salary boosted by NFP salary packaging and tax-free meals/accommodation card
  • Supportive team environment and inclusive culture with clear vision and inspiring strategic direction

Equity & Inclusion

The VCCC Alliance values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment, free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification and victimisation.

Secondment 

With the ongoing objective of enhancing relationships with our alliance partners, this position may be able to be arranged as a secondment within a VCCC Alliance partner organisation. Employees within the VCCC Alliance are encouraged to contact Christine Morton Head of People & Culture via  [email protected] or 0411 955 215 to explore the possibility of a suitable arrangement.

TO APPLY

Applicants must have permanent residency to be considered. As VCCC Alliance is located within a hospital, triple vaccination is required prior to commencement, unless exempt.

For applications to be considered please submit a covering letter outlining the key reasons for your interest in the role addressing the key selection criteria in the position description along with your resume. Only applications with a covering letter will be considered.

Please lodge your application via Seek, no later than Sunday 15 May 2022. The closing date may be brought forward if applications meeting the key selection criteria are received in advance of this date. 

Contact for enquiries

For further information regarding the role, please contact Avalee Weir, Head of Communications and Community: [email protected]

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